Date: Thu, 28 Apr 2011 09:09:02 -0400
Reply-To: John Meeks <vanagon@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Meeks <vanagon@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: New Westy owner with a few questions
In-Reply-To: <BANLkTinY0Do6y7EnmT8KtZXcQz-TV3-ESQ@mail.gmail.com>
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On Thu, Apr 28, 2011 at 4:09 AM, Tyler Dann <tylerdann@gmail.com> wrote:
> Greetings!
>
> -What do other arctic/sub-arctic Wasserboxer owners do? Garage all winter?
> Conversion? A mechanic friend of mine with a Eurovan says the conversion
> route is foolish, and that instead of swapping the engine and everything
> downstream I should simply have a rebuilt stock engine ready to swap out.
> The uncertainty of future engine failure in a remote spot leaves me a bad
> taste, but so does the cost/time of a conversion. I'll probably go back to
> my bike next winter, but would love to learn about other options/opinions.
> Canadians? Other Alaskans?
>
I drive my 2.1L all winter in northern Michigan with lows around -15° to
-20° F with Mobil1 0w40. 15w-50 in the summer. Also a good synthetic gear
oil makes shifting summer like. I use Redline MT90. If you have a manual
trans, this stuff really helps. Change gearbox oil every couple of years.
>
> -What do you keep handy for road trips? I've ordered a belt, some fuses and
> spark plugs, other ideas?
>
A spare ignition switch can diagnose/fix a bunch of electrical gremlins that
might pop up.
A spare fuel pump can get you out of the woods if yours fails. Doesn't
happen often but you're toast without it.
>
> -Awning preferences? I'd like something robust to winds, those I've seen
> seem pretty flimsy. I don't care about shade but am thinking about rain
> protection to cook under.
>
Made my own.
> -Which battery powers what? The battery under the passenger seat is much
> newer, Dave had it replaced three years ago, so I assume that powers the
> starter. But what is the very old-looking battery under my seat power? Are
> both recharged by the alternator? I look forward to Bentley for this one,
> but would appreciate any words of wisdom.
>
You've got it right.
Other considerations: Replace fuel lines in the engine bay if not done
within the past 5 years. Start with a fresh fuel and air filter so you have
a baseline for the future.
Check this:
http://www.vanagonauts.com/Things-to-do-for-new-vanagon-owners150.htm
Also thesamba.com has a load of info. Just drill down to the vanagon
section.
Good luck and Happy Camping!
John Meeks
'91 Vanagon MV
Northern Michigan
Vanagon Rescue Squad
www.vanagonauts.com
